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Item Assessing the use of Waste Engine Oil in sandcrete blocks(2025-04-16) Rwotber RaymondDampness in sandcrete blocks can lead deterioration of a structure, reduce durability and increase maintenance issues. This study assessed the use of waste engine oil (WEO) as an additive to reduce water absorption in sandcrete blocks. Laboratory experiments determined the physical and chemical properties of WEO and assessed its effect on the compressive strength and water absorption of sandcrete blocks. The results showed that WEO exhibits hydrophobic properties that help limit moisture penetration. The optimum proportion of WEO was found to be 0.5% by weight of cement which effectively reduced the water absorption by 20% and increased the compressive strength by 8%. However, higher concentrations of WEO (≥1.0%) weakened the blocks due to interference with cement hydration process. These results suggest that incorporating WEO in sandcrete block production offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for reducing dampness while promoting waste recycling in construction.Item Determining the Suitability of Using Steel Fibres From Used Tyres as a Reinforcement in an Unfired Earth Brick: A Case Study Bugonya Village, Gadumire Sub-county, Kaliro District(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-30) Mulondo YoabUnfired Earth bricks are widely used in construction especially in the lower income areas of the world. However, unfired brickwork is less strong than blockwork or fired clay masonry, and at the moment its use is not advised for thin-walled earth masonry in high-load structural applications. Unfired earth bricks also do not carry as great a load from fixings. With that in mind, this research banks on the knowledge of soil properties to design appropriate geotechnical and geological investigations into the search for the most suitable material for earth construction. From the research below, conversely, the addition of 8% steel fibres from waste tyres by weight in earthen construction will enhance ductility, tensile strength, erosion resistance, and dimensional stability, while reducing shrinkage cracking in the materials.Item Assessing the Use of Cement Kiln Dust in Sandy Soil Stabilization for Subgrade Construction(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Kabagambe Bamanisa RachelSandy soils are characterized by their low bearing capacity and high permeability and are very prone to erosion. In geotechnical and construction applications, these soils present considerable challenges. Many stabilization techniques use energy-intensive substances like lime and cement, which present problems for the environment and the economy. This research investigate the feasibility of using cement kiln dust (CKD), an industrial by-product produced during the cement manufacturing process, as a sustainable alternative for stabilizing sandy soils. Because CKD is high in calcium oxide and silica, it has potential pozzolanic properties that may improve soil cohesiveness and mechanical performance while resolving disposal-related waste management issues. This study assesses the geotechnical characteristics of CKD-stabilized sandy soils through laboratory tests, including the Proctor test, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio test, and permeability test. To find the ideal percentage for maximizing strength and durability, various percentages of cement kiln dust, ranging from 5% to 20%, were combined with sandy soil samples. After a 7-day curing period, the results showed a 45% improvement in UCS and a 58.5% improvement in CBR values, indicating that the optimum percentage of cement kiln dust to be added was 15%. Furthermore, the permeability significantly dropped by 93%, indicating improved soil. According to the MoWT general specifications for Road and Bridge Works 2005, the soil's PI, CBR swell and linear shrinkage were all determined to be within allowable limits.Item Assessing the Use Magnesium Chloride as a Dust Suppressant(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Nowamani GilbertThis research was conducted in Kayunga district having a main objective of assessing the use of magnesium chloride as a dust suppressant. This study was conducted due to dust clouds along Bbaale-Galilaya road(unpaved) that reduce visibility on the road therefore resulting into vehicle accidents thus leading to loss of lives. The main aim of this study is to efficiently suppress dust while respecting environmental health. This study had three objectives which were determining the concentration of particulate matter present along Bbaale-Galilaya road, to determine the different properties of magnesium chloride and to determine the optimum magnesium chloride required to suppress dust along Bbaale-Galilaya road. In this study, a Blatan Air Quality Machine and a Dust TrackTM machine were used to determine the concentration of particulate matter along the unpaved road and it was found that the PM2.5 was above the provided 24-hour standards of EPA(<35µg/m3) and WHO (<15µg/m3). The study recommended the use of Magnesium Chloride as a dust suppressant along Bbaale-Galilaya road after discovering that 15% MgCl2 concentration reduced PM2.5 levels by 80% (from 143µg/m3 to 28.5µg/m3) while complying with environmental safety guidelines provided by EPA and FAO.Item Assessing the Use of Magnesium Chloride as a Dust Suppressant(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Mukabya ReaganDust on unpaved roads is one of the major tragedies affecting Uganda and the world at large especially in sub-Saharan climates with high temperature and traffic which results into the disintegration of the soil particles by moving trucks on the road surface. The study aims at assessing the use of magnesium chloride as a dust suppressant on unpaved roads in Uganda with the focus on Bbaale-Galilaya road in Kayunga district due to high dust levels on this road which reduces visibility resulting into accidents. So the material aims at the reducing on particulate matter to correspond with the air quality standards of Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO).The study identifies key and specific objectives such as Assessing the use of magnesium chloride as a dust suppressant as the main objective and determining the concentration of particulate matter present in dust, assessing the properties of magnesium chloride and the optimum amount required to suppress the dust levels along Bbaale-Galilaya road. On Bbaale-Galilaya road, the particulate matter was above the environmental protection agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards which included 84.485/m3, 115.835/m3,138.5/m3, 128.5/m3 and 111.165/m3 at various distances of 50m, 100m, 150, 200m and 250m which were 50m apart or away from each other. After magnesium chloride application, the optimum percentage attained or obtained was 15% of the magnesium chloride solution which achieved the environmental protection agency compliance with a particulate matter of 28.5/m3 which is below 35 standard for environmental protection agency therefore balancing environmental safety and indicating a 80% reduction in particulate matter present in dust along Bbaale-Galilaya road in Kayunga district.Item The Use of a Bioenzyme and Pineapple Leaf Fibre as a stabilizer for Clay Bricks(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-24) Serioni BrianThe growing demand for affordable and sustainable building materials in Uganda, coupled with increasing environmental concerns, has prompted the need to explore alternative methods of clay brick stabilization. Conventional clay bricks are typically fired using firewood, a practice that contributes heavily to deforestation, carbon emissions, and other forms of environmental degradation. This research investigates the feasibility of using a hybrid stabilization method involving a bio-enzyme (Terrazyme) and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) to improve the engineering properties of clay bricks while minimizing ecological impact. The study was conducted using high plasticity clay obtained from Siron Village, Kirwoko Parish in Kaptanya Subcounty, Kapchorwa District. The clay soil underwent a series of laboratory tests, including particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction, compressive strength, shrinkage, and water absorption tests in accordance with British Standards. PALF was extracted from agricultural waste, characterized through tensile strength analysis, and evaluated for reinforcement suitability. Terrazyme was produced through a controlled fermentation process and tested for pH, viscosity, and concentration. Experimental brick samples were prepared using varying proportions of PALF (2%–6%) and Terrazyme (0%–5%) by weight and volume respectively. Among all the combinations, the optimal mix—2% PALF and 100 ml/m³ of Terrazyme—produced unfired bricks with the best performance. These bricks achieved a compressive strength of 2.7 MPa, which is significantly higher than that of untreated bricks, and showed a 15% reduction in water absorption and 30% reduction in linear shrinkage. The hybrid stabilization not only enhanced strength and dimensional stability but also improved durability by reducing moisture susceptibility and potential for cracking. The results of this research confirm that hybrid stabilization using bio-enzymes and natural fibers can produce structurally sound, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable clay bricks without the need for high-temperature firing. This technique holds great potential for application in rural housing, eco-construction, and lowincome settlements across Uganda. Moreover, the use of locally available materials such as pineapple leaves promotes circular economy practices and reduces agricultural waste. The study concludes by recommending further field trials, scaleup studies, and long-term performance evaluations under various climatic conditions to establish the method as a mainstream construction practice.Item The Use of a Bio-Enzyme and Pineapple Leaf Fiber as a Stabilizer in Clay Bricks(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Ocholla Collin MikeThis paper investigated the potential of the bio-enzyme and pineapple leaf fiber combination as stabilizers for the clay bricks to decrease the carbon emission firewood the usual material used in the firing process. We present a study covering the effectiveness of the hybrid bio-enzyme (Terrazyme) mixtures with Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) in clay bricks as a detailed description. The results of the field tests performed in Siron clay bricks provided evidence that the use of the new material not only decreases the environmental impact but also improves the strength and water absorption of the brick itself. Which in turn contributes to the construction of the ecofriendly and sustainable building brick.Item Assessing the Use of Agricultural Lime for Pathogen Suppression in Bio-Slurry(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Sida Pariyo CynthiaThis study investigated the effectiveness of agricultural lime in suppressing pathogenic microorganisms in human excreta based bio slurry using a pH elevation mechanism and this bio slurry will be discharged into the environment and used as a bio fertilizer. This report is comprised of five chapters; Chapter 1 is the introduction and background it entails background information about the study, problem statement, objectives of the study as well as justification for the treatment method and material used. Chapter 2 is the literature review of the field of study, narrowing down to the study of interest. The subsequent chapters include methodology of study that is Chapter 3, Chapter 4 being results and discussions of laboratory teste carried out and lastly Chapter 5 being conclusions and recommendations.Item Accessing the use of crumb rubber and kaolinite to the resistance of asphalt to deformation(Uganda Christian university, 2025-04-26) Pitia Anthony MustafaFlexible pavement performance is often reduced by rutting, fatigue and lack of durability especially under heavy traffic. This study aimed to improve bitumen by modifying it with Crumb rubber (CR) and kaolinite clay to enhance resistance to fatigue cracking. Waste tires were used due to their high elasticity. CR was added to 60-70 pen grade bitumen in proportions of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Tests showed that 5% CR gave the best balance of thermal, fatigue and moisture resistance. To improve storage stability, kaolinite was added in amounts of 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% with 2% showing the best results.Item Assessing the Suitability of Kaolin as a Catalyst for Polyethylene Plastic Waste Pyrolysis : A Case Study Kikuubo Uganda(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Chiza Maisha AugustinThe growing accumulation of polyethylene plastic waste in urban centers like Kikuubo Market, Kampala, Uganda presents severe environmental and public health challenges, exacerbated by ineffective traditional waste management strategies. This study addresses these challenges by assessing the suitability of kaolin, a naturally abundant clay mineral sourced from Buwambo deposit in Wakiso District, as a catalyst for the pyrolysis of polyethylene plastic waste. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis confirmed the kaolin’s catalytic potential, with high levels of silicon dioxide (53.67%) and aluminium oxide (24.47%). Controlled pyrolysis experiments were conducted at 420°C and a heating rate of 10°C/min using varying kaolin-to-polyethylene mix ratios (0-20 wt%). The 16 wt% kaolin-to-plastic ratio achieved the highest oil yield of 75.67%, a notable improvement from 65.67% in non-catalytic pyrolysis. Additionally, the reaction time decreased from 91minutes (control) to 74minutes at this optimal loading, enhancing overall process efficiency. A cost-benefit analysis showed a net profit of 1,365 UGX/kg with kaolin, compared to 789 UGX/kg without, confirming the economic feasibility of the approach. Compared to synthetic zeolite and bagasse ash, kaolin offers superior performance due to its local availability and minimal processing needs. These findings highlight kaolin’s potential to enhance the pyrolysis process, offering a scalable and sustainable approach to plastic waste management and energy recovery in developing regions.Item Greywater Management in Educational Facilities: A Case of Bishop Senior Secondary School, Mukono(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-16) Kobuzare DesireGreywater management in educational institutions presents a viable solution to water scarcity and sustainability challenges. This research focuses on design and implementation of a greywater management for Bishop Secondary School, Mukono. The research assessed the sources, volumes and characteristics of grey water generated within the school identifying key physical chemical and biological parameters. Preliminary tests indicated high BOD, COD, TSS, E. coli and TP values in comparison to the national standards. The main objective of this research and the design were achieved. The design consists of a batch treatment system using Kaolin clay as an adsorbent followed by filtration through a sand and gravel column. This will ensure that the grey water is treated to the required standards before reuse supplementing non drinking water needs such as toilet flushing and cleaning. The use of natural Kaolin clay enhanced the treatment process with high percentage reduction in all quality i.e. BOD, COD, TSS and TP with percentage reductions between 10% and 55%.Item Assessing the Use of Activated Waste Glass Powder for Stabilization of Lateritic Soils for Subbase Layer in Road Construction(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Wanyenya Dinah MarthaThis research is entailed in the stabilization of lateritic soils using waste glass powder. Lateritic soils are problematic when used for road construction without stabilizing. This is because they cannot return back to their natural density when compacted. They contain a high plasticity index making the soils unsuitable for use in construction of road works as well as the building foundations (Olusola, 2021). Having tested this soils, they contained a plasticity index of 17.8%, CBR of 28% which all were below the standards of a minimum CBR of 45 % with guidelines of road works. This research is based on the use of the activated waste glass powder since it contains pozzolanic properties such as the silica of 73.67% calcium oxide of 9.16%, Sodium oxide of 15.63% which form cementitious compounds when it reacts with the lateritic soils enhancing on the strength, durability, stability and compressibility of the soils. The activated waste glass powder also enhances on the pozzolanic reaction with the Calcium hydroxide in the soil forming silicate gels that cause the binding in soils thus improving on the compaction and strength and reducing on the plastic nature of the soils improving on the durability.Item Assessing the Use of Sewage Sludge Cake Ash to Stabilize Black Cotton Soils(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-16) Luggya Mark AnthonyThis research investigates the stabilization of black cotton soil using sewage sludge cake ash (SSCA) for subgrade construction. Black cotton soils, known for their low load-bearing capacity and high water affinity, pose challenges in road construction. This study explores the potential of SSCA, rich in calcium oxide, to enhance soil properties through pozzolanic reactions. Various tests, including the California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Atterberg limits, and Unconfined Compressive Test (UCS), were conducted on soil samples from Kitgum district. The results showed that a 15% SSCA mix improved the soil's CBR to 15.4%, reduced the plasticity index to 14.8%, and achieved a UCS of 0.33 MPa. The findings suggest that SSCA can partially stabilize black cotton soil, making it more suitable for subgrade construction, though further research on additional stabilizers is recommended.Item Assessing the Use of Poly Aluminium Coated Granules From Water Treatment Sludge to Enhance the Dewatering of Fecal Sludge in Sludge Drying Beds Case Study: Lubigi Fecal Sludge and Waste Water Treatment Plant(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-16) Muhwezi Ndamira AndrewLubigi fecal sludge and waste water treatment plant currently operates using non-conventional technology for treatment with drying of fecal sludge by evaporation and percolation. Although the plant has the capacity to manage human excreta from both the onsite and offsite sanitation facilities, there is high solid loading due to the incoming large volumes of waste what exceed the design capacity of the plant and a problem of longer drying periods than intended. There is need for optimum utilisation of the sludge drying beds and the treatment plant all together. This study aimed at assessing the use of water treatment sludge granules coated with poly aluminium chloride from water treatment sludge to enhance dewatering of fecal sludge. The raw fecal sludge samples were analysed for parameters of pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content and total solids. Water treatment sludge was also characterised using the X-ray fluorescence technique so as to determine whether the content of aluminium oxide present is suitable for the preparation of poly aluminium chloride. Water treatment sludge granules coated with poly aluminium chloride showed potential in dewatering of fecal sludge with the lowest moisture content of 25.3% and maximum total solids of 74.7% achieved with the 4g/l dosage.Item Assessing the Use of Iron Oxide and Silica in Industrial Wastewater Treatment(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-16) Agaba FahadLake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical freshwater lake, supports critical ecological, economic and social functions across East Africa. However, increasing industrial pollution, particularly in Walukuba Masese (Jinja district), poses a serious threat. The uncontrolled discharge of untreated effluent especially from the sunbelt textile industry has led to elevated phosphorous levels, causing eutrophication, harmful algal blooms and aquatic degradation. This study investigates the use of iron oxide and silica, as a sustainable method for phosphorous removal from industrial waste water. Laboratory experiments assessed adsorption efficiency based on parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dosage, Ph, and initial phosphorous concentration. The adsorption mechanism relies on Fe-O-P bond formation, where phosphates ions interact with hydroxyl groups on iron oxide surfaces. Silica enhances this process by increasing surface area structural stability. Finding reveals that the iron oxide and silica combination offers a cost effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional treatment methods. Significant reductions in phosphorous levels were observed, demonstrating the potential of this system to meet regulatory standards and protect Lake Victoria’s aquatic ecosystem. This research highlights the importance of adopting innovative, efficient wastewater treatment technologies for long term water resource sustainability.Item Greywater Management in Educational Facilities a Case Study of Bishop Secondary School, Mukono(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-16) Cheptoek BismarkGreywater management in educational institutions presents a viable solution to water scarcity and sustainability challenges. This research focuses on design and implementation of a greywater treatment system for Bishop Secondary School, Mukono. The research assessed the sources, volumes and characteristics of greywater generated within the school identifying key physical chemical and biological parameters. Preliminary tests indicated high COD, BOD, TSS, E.coli and TP values in comparison to the national standards. The main objective of this research and the design were achieved. The design consists of a batch treatment system using kaolin clay as an adsorbent followed by filtration through a sand and gravel column. This will ensure that the greywater is treated to the required standards before reuse supplementing non drinking water needs such as toilet flushing and cleaning. The use of natural Kaolin clay enhanced the treatment process with high percentage reduction in all quality i.e. BOD, COD, TSS, E.coli and TP with percentage reductions between 10% and 55%.Item Accessing the Use of Calcined Quartzite Dust as a Fillertoenhance Rut Resistance in Asphalt Concrete(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Amule Lokorto MoiseWorldwide flexible pavements are mainly constructed with aggregates, bitumen and filler. This study aims to assess the use of Calcined quarzite dust (CQD) to enhance rut resistance in the asphalt concrete. The methods used were mechanical,physical, chemical to determine the engineering properties of aggregate, bitumen and filler used in this study; also Marshall test was conducted, as well as the Indirect tensile Strength (ITS) in relation with the Wheel Tracking Tests (WTT) to assess the performance on the asphalt mixture. Various tests were done during the study, various factors such as stability, flow, air voids,voids filled with binder (VFB), and voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA) were evaluated. The study was conducted with CDQ percentage variation of 2%, 4% and 6% and 4.4% optimum bitumen content was obtained from the neat asphalt. The results of the study showed that the use of Calcined quarzite dust led to an increase in Marshall stability from 15kN to 21.1 kN, increased Indirect Tensile Strength Strength ratio from 82% to 88%, ITS dry from 900.2kPa to 1,130.6kPa and ITS wet from 740kPa to 990kPa. With relation to wheel tracking tests the ITS value greater than 800kPa expect less than 10mm rutting depth for a 20,000 cycles passes. This study therefore shows that asphalt mixes with 4.5% CQD in the asphalt mixture can be used as a means to enhance the stability and stiffness.Item Assessing the Use of Calcined Quartzite Dust as a Filler to Enhance Rut Resistance in Asphalt Concrete(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-16) Gonza EdgarRoad construction is a crucial aspect in infrastructure development and choosing the right materials for road ways can significantly impact their durability, maintenance requirements and overall performance. The two most common materials in road construction are concrete and asphalt concrete. Asphalt concrete, which is widely used for road and highway construction and consists of bitumen aggregate and a mineral filler combined through a hot mix process prior to laying on the roadway. Its flexible and has excellent water proofing and adhesive properties. to improve on asphalt concrete performance, researchers have been working to create more sustainable asphalt concrete pavements over the years with several attempts to modify the binder or filler materials of asphalt such as incorporating fly ash or plastic waste in the bitumen and using fillers such as lime stone dust. This study aims at ascertaining whether calcined quartzite dust can be used as an additive in asphalt concrete to enhance rutting resistance. The road sections along climbing lanes are subjected to slow heavy moving traffic and repeated heavy loading under high temperatures that reduce its ability to resist shear stresses that result into the formation of ruts. Ruts are the permanent deformation along the wheel part in asphalt concrete layer due to softening of the binder under high temperatures and heavy loads. A case study on the Bweyogerere stretch climbing lane along the jinja Kampala highway despite previous renovations has revealed premature deterioration in the form of instability rutting in the asphalt concrete layer. Aggregates and bitumen, using mechanistic and empirical approaches were assessed in order to understand such failure. While the aggregate performance was found to be good, the susceptibility of bitumen to temperature variations resulted in reduced stiffness at high temperatures. Introduction of calcined quartzite dust as filler has the potential to improve the thermal stability and load distribution of asphalt mixtures, with consequent improvements in stiffness modulus and rut resistance to permanent deformation without compromising durability.Item Assessing the Use of Polyester Fibers Along With Foundry Sand As Reinforcement in Making of Concrete Pavers(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Olara BoscoConcrete pavers, made from a blend of cement, gravel, and sand, are popular for their affordability and adaptability in outdoor settings. Yet, they frequently show limited structural resilience and a tendency to split when subjected to substantial weight. This study explores improving paver effectiveness by adding polyester fiber and foundry sand as strengthening elements, targeting better robustness and longevity without sacrificing eco-friendliness. Polyester fiber was acquired from nearby vendors and trimmed to set sizes, while foundry sand, a residue from metal casting, was collected from aluminum production sites. Tests took place at Makerere University’s Geology and Petroleum Studies Department, using gravel from Nsuube Stone Quarry in Mukono District. The concrete blend included polyester fiber at different levels (0.10%, 0.16%, and 0.20% by volume), with foundry sand fully replacing natural sand. Evaluations of compressive strength, bending resistance, and durability—covering wear resistance, chloride penetration, and water uptake—were conducted on paver samples (200 x 100 x 63 mm) after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Findings showed peak results at 0.16% fiber, with average compressive strength of 43.2 MPa and bending strength of 6-7 MPa at 28 days, plus enhanced durability measures. Focused on the Matuuga- Semuto-Kapeeka road example, this work reveals that pairing polyester fiber with foundry sand markedly boosts paver mechanical traits and lifespan, delivering an eco-conscious option with low environmental harm.Item Assessing the Effectiveness of Biotechinicalslopestabilization Methods in Landslide Proneareas(Uganda Christian University, 2025-04-17) Vladimir MichaelThis research was conducted in Kasika village with a main aim of assessing the effectiveness of the different biotechnical slope stabilization methods in landslide prone areas. The study was triggered by the increasing challenge of slope instability in the area which led to loss of lives and destruction of community infrastructure such as roads, the study aimed at coming up with sustainable and environmentally friendly measures of stabilizing the slopes in the area. The study was conducted basing on three objectives that is to evaluate the slope susceptibility of the slopes to landslides in the landslide prone areas , to determine the factor of safety of the slope before failure and to assess the effectiveness of the biotechnical slope stabilization techniques. The study used (Analytical Hierarchy Process)AHP to come up with the landslide susceptibility map and morgenstern price method of slices to determine the factor of safety of the slope before failure under saturated and normal soil conditions. The study found out that the endangered slope was unstable and prone to landslides and recommended the use of the biotechinical slope stabilization method of brush layering with bamboo live cuttings(Oldenia Alpina) to stabilize the slope.